Novenas in the Roman Catholic Church are intercessory public or
private prayers said on nine consecutive days, or on a certain day for nine
consecutive weeks. There are four general categories of novenas: mourning,
preparation, prayer, and indulgenced. Prayers
are said for a special intention usually to a particular saint or Christ, particularly the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The observance dates beck to the seventeenth century but Biblically found
in Acts 1:13-14. The apostles gathered with others in the upper room following
Christ's instructions after his ascension into heaven to pray constantly.
They prayed for nine consecutive days concluding with the descent of the
Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

The Greeks had no nine-day celebration; the number seven was more sacred
to them than any number. The first reference of a nine-day observance occurs
among the Romans after the shower of stones on the Ablan Mount. An official
offering was made whether because of advice of augurs
to ward off further disasters and appease the gods is uncertain.

Besides this custom there were among both Greeks and Romans a custom
of observing nine days of mourning for family members who died with a feast
being held on the ninth day. The Romans also held an annual parental novena
on February 13 to 22 with a worship and joyful feast on the final day.

In spite of warnings not to observe pagan customs various early Christians
did anyway. Again one is reminded that the early Christian communities were
composed of former pagans and old customs die hard. These customs more vigorously
continued among the wealthy who were less ready to forego their customary
habits. Gradually the custom was embraced by the Church and there appeared
novena Masses for Popes, Cardinals, and Bishops. Eventually the laity was
engaging in novenas. Novenas are also observed in some Orthodox, Anglican,
and Lutheran Churches.